It has been an entire year since a member of the Phillies has won the All-Star Game MVP award. Can any of this year’s contingent of Phillies All-Stars break the long-standing “Curse of Kyle Schwarber?”
For newer readers, or those that generally tune me out: For the past few years, I lamented the fact that the Phillies hadn’t had the MVP of the All-Star Game since Johnny Callison in 1964. But thanks to Schwarber’s heroics in the overtime of last year’s game, The “Curse of Johnny Callison” was finally
broken!
With a healthy representation on the National League squad, and the game being played in Philadelphia, it feels like there’s a decent chance the Phillies could have the MVP of the game two years in a row.
Here are the candidates and the likelihood that they’ll win:
I don’t see it happening
Zack Wheeler – Since he understandably rejected the belated invitation to the team, he will (probably) not appear in the game, which generally reduces the chances of winning the MVP award.
You’d be better off investing in Crypto
Jesus Luzardo – Pitchers are generally at a disadvantage to win the award in general, and unless Luzardo is called upon to get a pivotal out – and as a late addition to the roster, I can’t see that happening – he’s not going to win
If you squint, you could see it
Cristopher Sanchez – For the past 40 years, the only pitchers to win the MVP award have done in when pitching in their home city. As the starting pitcher, Sanchez might get to work an inning plus, and if he looks great in a game where there are no clear offensive standouts, they might give the hometown guy the nod.
If the vibes are right
Jhoan Duran – I have to imagine that if the NL is leading in the ninth inning, Duran is going to get the save opportunity, because that entrance is going to play well on national TV. As with Sanchez, if there are no standout offensive players, and Duran closes out the game in dominating fashion, he could be the choice.
Why not?
Brandon Marsh – Being in the starting lineup can actually be a disadvantage for a player’s chances, as he might get just one at bat, and it will be early in the game. Based on Monday night, Marsh is really enjoying being an All-Star, and his beard does garner attention. Sometimes early hits can prove just as decisive as late ones, so if Marsh drives in a few runs to put the NL ahead for good, he’s got a chance.
You know he wants it
Bryce Harper – Believe it or not, this will only be Harper’s second time playing in an All-Star Game as a Phillie. After falling short in the Home Run Derby, you know Harper is itching for the chance to shine on Tuesday. After his WBC heroics, you have to figure that if there’s a key at bat late in the game, manager Dave Roberts will deploy Harper. If he comes through, the award is his.
Let’s do it again
Kyle Schwarber – Maybe he’s worn out from Monday’s epic Home Run Derby…Or maybe it’s just left him hungrier. As the NL’s leadoff hitter, a Schwarbomb to start things off would be positively majestic. And if the game goes into overtime again, it’s almost a given that Schwarber will be one of the NL’s hitters in the swing off. Can lightning strike twice?
